You are here

Cruff favored by State Bar in election

The State Bar Association of North Dakota held a survey of its members for this year's judicial elections, and responses for the candidates in North Dakota Southeast Judicial District Judgeship District 8 favored Barnes County Assistant State's Attorney Brad Cruff over 17-year incumbent Judge Richard Grosz.

The members were asked to rate the qualifications of each applicant in every election in several categories using a scale of one to five, with five being Excellent, and accordingly good, average, below average, poor, or members could opt out of answering by saying "no opinion."

Both candidates were about equal in professional competence, but Grosz had an edge on legal experience. Cruff excelled in the other three categories: Judicial temperament, integrity and overall qualifications.

There were 168 respondents to the poll, with 149 to 151 answering questions about the District 8 candidates. The "overall qualifications" category was scored as a separate, overall rating for the individual, not an average of the other four categories. Those voting "no opinion" were those responding to the poll who indicated they did not and could not evaluate the candidate.